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The Rocks ReserveRedlynch, Far North Queensland
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Two deeper channels for swimming have been forged around each side of a giant rock in a picturesque section of Freshwater Creek at the Rocks Reserve in Redlynch. This swimming hole
is on the same creek at Crystal Cascades but several kilometres downstream, making it a good alternative on days when the Crystal Cascades car park is full.
Above: The rocks in the middle of Freshwater Creek
(Order this image)
The swimming hole is a short (~100 metre) walk from the car park, along the bike path that runs through The Rocks Reserve. Here you will find a pebbled stream with crystal clear water, which is otherwise the same as the sections upstream and downstream, except for the giant monolith plonked in the middle of the creek.
Getting into the water was quite easy, with a gradual slope off the bank. Some of the stones under the water are a little sharp and angular, so a pair of
swimming shoes helped to protect my feet. On my visit the water was around chest deep in
the deepest parts, meaning that you could swim without scraping the bottom in this otherwise shallow stream. Under the water I saw a few little fish, , which did not seem too fussed by my presence in the water,
ranging in size from the length of my finger to the length of my hand.
Above: The pebbly beach at The Rocks
(Order this image)
For those worried about the current, there is plenty of ankle deep water that you can sit in and splash around in near the edge of the creek, as well as a ridge of pebbles lined up in the calmer eddy directly behind the rock.
Out of the water the pebbles continue to create a sizeable beach with plenty of room to leave your towels. Located within a park, the creekside vegetation was quite lush, giving the
impression that this swim was deep in the rainforest, rather than on the edge of the suburbs.
Above: The jungle starting to reclaim an old picnic table at The Rocks
(Order this image)
This spot can be a good alternative if Crystal Cascades is too busy, or if you just want a quick swim and cannot be bothered walking the longer distance at the cascades from your car to the water.
View Larger Map
Can kids swim at The Rocks Reserve? Yes, under supervision near the edge of the creek, noting the variable current and depth, including strong currents, and deep water around the rocks.
Can I have a picnic at The Rocks Reserve? Yes, you can have a picnic on the lawn area near the car park, but bring your own picnic rug. You can also bring your own camping chairs to sit on the pebbled beach beside the creek.
Can you fish at The Rocks Reserve? I did not see any signs indicating that fishing was prohibited, but I also did not see any fish in the water that were big enough to bother catching, so it is best to leave this spot to swimmers.
If you have any other questions not answered above, leave a comment for me using the comment box below.
Above: The rocks in the middle of Freshwater Creek
(Order this image)
The swimming hole is a short (~100 metre) walk from the car park, along the bike path that runs through The Rocks Reserve. Here you will find a pebbled stream with crystal clear water, which is otherwise the same as the sections upstream and downstream, except for the giant monolith plonked in the middle of the creek.
Above: The pebbly beach at The Rocks
(Order this image)
For those worried about the current, there is plenty of ankle deep water that you can sit in and splash around in near the edge of the creek, as well as a ridge of pebbles lined up in the calmer eddy directly behind the rock.
Above: The jungle starting to reclaim an old picnic table at The Rocks
(Order this image)
This spot can be a good alternative if Crystal Cascades is too busy, or if you just want a quick swim and cannot be bothered walking the longer distance at the cascades from your car to the water.
Other Information Before You Go:
Location: The Rocks Road, Redlynch, 15 km (approx. 20 minute drive) west of the Cairns city centre.
Latitude:-16.930505 Longitude:145.698828
Getting there: From Cairns take the Cairns Western Arterial Road (route 91) to the Redlynch Connection Road. Follow the Redlynch Connection Road then turn left at the roundabout into the Redlynch Intake Road, then follow it for 3 km until you reach The Rocks Road. The Rocks Reserve access road is 500 metres along The Rocks Road, with a small car park at the end of the access road.
Facilities: At the car park: rubbish bins, public toilets, drinking fountain, bike path, lawn area. At the swimming hole there are no facilities, apart from some old concrete picnic tables that have not been maintained.
Entrance fee: None
Water temperature: Mild
Water clarity: Clear
Under foot: Rock and pebbles
Maximum water depth: 1 to 2 metres
Minimum swimming proficiency required: Beginners can wade or swim near the shore. Experienced swimmers only, away from the shore, due to the currents, variable depth, and deeper water.
Prohibitions including whether you can bring your dog: No dogs, no camping, no overnight stays.
Sun shade: Shade available out of the water. Partial shade over the water, depending on the time of day
Opening times: Always open
Wheelchair access: The toilets were not designated at wheelchair accessible, but there was a ramp leading into the toilets. The walk to the swimming hole was along a bitumen bike path, with about 5-10 metres of loose pebbles from the bike path down to the water.
Managing authority: Cairns Regional Council
Nearby attractions: Crystal Cascades and Fairy Falls further upstream on Freshwater Creek.
Before you head out, make sure to read the swimming safety information and check with the managing authority for any current change of conditions.
Latitude:-16.930505 Longitude:145.698828
Getting there: From Cairns take the Cairns Western Arterial Road (route 91) to the Redlynch Connection Road. Follow the Redlynch Connection Road then turn left at the roundabout into the Redlynch Intake Road, then follow it for 3 km until you reach The Rocks Road. The Rocks Reserve access road is 500 metres along The Rocks Road, with a small car park at the end of the access road.
Facilities: At the car park: rubbish bins, public toilets, drinking fountain, bike path, lawn area. At the swimming hole there are no facilities, apart from some old concrete picnic tables that have not been maintained.
Entrance fee: None
Water temperature: Mild
Water clarity: Clear
Under foot: Rock and pebbles
Maximum water depth: 1 to 2 metres
Minimum swimming proficiency required: Beginners can wade or swim near the shore. Experienced swimmers only, away from the shore, due to the currents, variable depth, and deeper water.
Prohibitions including whether you can bring your dog: No dogs, no camping, no overnight stays.
Sun shade: Shade available out of the water. Partial shade over the water, depending on the time of day
Opening times: Always open
Wheelchair access: The toilets were not designated at wheelchair accessible, but there was a ramp leading into the toilets. The walk to the swimming hole was along a bitumen bike path, with about 5-10 metres of loose pebbles from the bike path down to the water.
Managing authority: Cairns Regional Council
Nearby attractions: Crystal Cascades and Fairy Falls further upstream on Freshwater Creek.
Locality Map:
The marker indicates the approximate location of the swimming hole at The Rocks Reserve. If the map is not zoomed in locally,
as can sometimes occur when loading, simply click or tap on "View Larger Map" below.
View Larger Map
Frequently Asked Questions:
Are there crocodiles at The Rocks Reserve? Crocodiles travel far and wide in far north Queensland. None had been reported here to my knowledge at the time
of my visit, but always keep a lookout and heed any warning signs on site.
Can kids swim at The Rocks Reserve? Yes, under supervision near the edge of the creek, noting the variable current and depth, including strong currents, and deep water around the rocks.
Can I have a picnic at The Rocks Reserve? Yes, you can have a picnic on the lawn area near the car park, but bring your own picnic rug. You can also bring your own camping chairs to sit on the pebbled beach beside the creek.
Can you fish at The Rocks Reserve? I did not see any signs indicating that fishing was prohibited, but I also did not see any fish in the water that were big enough to bother catching, so it is best to leave this spot to swimmers.
If you have any other questions not answered above, leave a comment for me using the comment box below.
Comments:
If you would like to leave a comment about this swimming spot, please fill in the comment box below.
I am particularly interested in your experiences after visiting, and any changes in conditions, etc.
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